Factors Associated With Mortality in Patients With Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background/Aim: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are frequently life-threatening. Several factors have been reported to be related to CRBSI development; however, the factors associated with CRBSI mortality are unclear as they have rarely been studied. This study investigated the factors associated with mortality in patients with CRBSI, specifically focusing on nutritional factors. Patients and Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study included in-patients with acute conditions and convalescent patients diagnosed with a CRBSI between January 2019 and December 2021 at 33 hospitals (23 general hospitals, two mixed-care hospitals, and eight convalescent hospitals). The primary outcome was death. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mortality. Results: A total of 453 patients with CRBSI were enrolled. The causes of death were analyzed for 382 (84.3%) who survived CRBSI and 71 (15.7%) who died. Multivariable analysis revealed that Candida detected in blood culture [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.15-6.41; p=0.025)], CRBSI onset within 30 days of catheter insertion (aOR=2.28, 95% CI=1.27-4.09; p=0.005), concurrent infection (aOR=2.07, 95% CI=1.19-3.60; p=0.009), low serum albumin level (aOR=1.64, 95% CI=1.02-2.63; p=0.044), and elevated C-reactive protein level (aOR=1.05, 95% CI=1.01-1.10; p=0.028) were risk factors for mortality, whereas the use of a peripherally inserted central catheter was associated with a reduced risk of CRBSI mortality (aOR=0.30, 95% CI=0.13-0.69; p=0.004). Conclusion: Enhanced monitoring of factors, such as candida detected in blood culture, CRBSI onset within 30 days of catheter insertion, concurrent infection, low serum albumin level, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level and the use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), is crucial for mitigating CRBSI severity and risk of death.